Tag: Cat Body Language

Make no mistakes, felines are very expressive creatures! Let’s look at the burning question — why do cats wiggle their tails so much?

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When your kitty is just wandering around the home, you may notice that they do something strange. Often enough, cats will bend and move their tails in quite peculiar ways. You may well have wondered why do cats wiggle their tails. It’s a good question, but one with a complicated answer.

The truth of the matter is that cats tend to use their tail as a way of communicating with one another and, indeed, us. What that means is that we need to pay close attention to how cats move their tails if we want to understand what each movement means. Here are some of the messages they may well be trying to send out. Here’s what you need to know.

Why do cats wiggle their tails?

They are ‘peacocking’ Sign: Elevated tail

This technique is particularly common among male cats when they are trying to attract a lovely female feline. The idea is that the cat makes themselves look as big as possible so that they will seem to be the worthiest mate. You will likely find that your cat elevates their tail to an extremely high position to do so.

Of course, no pet owner wants their cat to feel anxious but it happens from time to time. One of the major signs you will see when this happens is a thoroughly bushy tail. This is when a cat is feeling distressed. They feel that they are under attack or the like. That means that they will likely want to defend themselves. Making the tail appear larger than it is is a sign to predators to back off.

They are about to hunt Sign: Tail down

When your kitty is in hunting mode, being sneaky is everything. One of the main things that cats do is try to make themselves as small as possible. You may find that their tail is low to the ground — as are they. This helps the feline to hide away and sneak up on prey. Watch out! When your kitty is ready to pounce, you don’t want to be in their way.

They are super happy Sign: Bent tail

From time to time, your cat will be super happy. One of the things that you will notice when they are content is a slightly bent tail. The tip of their tail is likely to be bent over a tad, but the rest of the tail should be straight. If you see this sign, your kitty is in a great mood. Time for some cuddles.

It may be the epitome of modern design, but open-plan living is bad for your cat. One expert explains just why this is a problem for your pet.

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These days, many people opt for the ultra modern open-plan look in their homes. This minimal style is super popular these days and looks incredible. Still, when you’re designing your home, do you consider the needs of your pet? The truth of the matter may be that open-plan living is bad for your cat. Here’s what you need to know.

Animal experts recently spoke out about just this issue at an Animal Welfare Foundation seminar based in London, UK. The core idea was that open-plan homes mean extreme socialization for our cats. While that may not sound like such a bad thing at first, it could cause your pet to become anxious.

“While we may consider we are one big family, with our husbands and wives and our children, those cats might not consider those other cats or dogs as part of their same social group,” explained Sarah Ellis, of International Cat Care, at the seminar.

The fact that open-plan designs don’t allow for much privacy is the crux of the issue. You see, felines tend to prefer time alone. Unlike humans, they are not particularly social animals, spending much of their time in isolation or hunting by themselves. In an open living environment, though, there’s not much space for them to have some alone time.

That means that our cats can get seriously stressed out when forced to be around people or, indeed, other animals for too long. “Humans often like physical interactions that are high intensity and for longer durations,” explained Ellis. “Many of our pet cats find this need for high social interaction distressing.”

Oh, and it gets worse! While we all know that looking after your cat is key, Ellis had a warning for those with pets living in an open-plan home. She claimed that failing to meet the needs of your pet could quickly lead to what she termed ‘chronic negative emotions, chronic negative stress, human directed aggression and house soiling’. Yikes.

Needless to say that the last thing any of us want is for our cats to be stressed or depressed. So, what should you do to make sure that you tackle this issue? Well, even if you already have an open-plan living space, there are some hacks that may well help. Here are a few things that you may want to try for yourself and your cat:

Invest in boxes and cat houses

Your kitty may not be able to hide away in a room, and so you need to give them another option. You can get plain old cardboard boxes or even a cat house for your pet. As you know, cats love to sit in boxes! These small things may just make all the difference because they give your pet a space of their own.

Use room dividers

We know that open-plan living is bad for your cat, so making things a tad less open could be the answer. Most home stores sell affordable room dividers that you can put anywhere in your home. Simply sectioning off some of the areas could be the answer.

Use the height of your home

If you’re lucky enough to have high ceilings in your home, you have to make use of them for the good of your cat. You may want to get some shelves that your kitty can climb on or even just a tall cat tree. If your pet feels that they can escape above the room, the open-plan living will stress them less. Genius!

When you’re home with your cat, nothing seems more natural than to have a good old chat to your kitty. So, do cats like when you talk to them?

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Whether we like to admit it or not, many of us love talking to our cats. When there’s no one else at home but your beloved pet, it makes sense that you would confide in them. One thing that all too many people wonder, though, is do cats like when you talk to them? Well, let’s take a look at the facts and see what we can find out right now.

First of all, before you worry that you’re the only one having full-blown chats with your kitty, there’s something you should know — we all do it. According to a 2015 study, a whopping 88% of people talk to their pet owners as though they are human. That’s an awful lot of us who sit around nattering to our animals. Weird, right?

Cats can identify their owner’s voice

While you’re talking, though, do you ever wonder whether your cat really cares? While they might not love you talking to them, they can certainly distinguish the sound of your voice from that of other people. Research from the University of Tokyo found that cats reacted differently when they heard their owner’s voice than they did when it was the sound of a stranger speaking.

There were actually small biological signs of recognition, such as the kitties’ eyes dilating and the like. That means that when you speak aloud, your cat knows that it is you who is talking. This may also explain why some felines get a tad spooked when you have guests; they notice the sound of a stranger’s voice, and so freak out.

They also respond to the pitch of your voice

Have you ever noticed the fact that cats seem to respond better to female voices than male ones? Well, the reason is simple. Felines can hear high-pitched voices much more easily than they can lower ones. That is to say that when a woman speaks, they are much more likely to react simply because they can hear the sound more clearly.

If you happen to have trouble getting your pet to acknowledge you when you speak to them, try speaking in a higher pitch. You may just find that this small, yet significant change to the way you talk makes all the difference.

Do cats like when you talk to them?

Once you’ve got your cat to respond to you, you may wonder whether they like it. Well, one interesting fact is that cats only meow to humans — this is not the way in which they communicate with one another. What that suggests is that, yes, they do enjoy us talking to them on some level. After all, why else would they attempt to communicate back with us?

Since our pets form an unbreakable bond with us from the moment we get them, it’s only natural that they would crave this form of interaction. Speaking to your cat is a way of acknowledging their existence and showing them that you really do care about them in a deep and meaningful way. What’s more, it’s a whole load of fun too!

Nobody likes the thought of their cat being too thin but what are the reasons for cat weight loss? We look at some of the most common causes.

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Of course, none of us like to think of our kitties being ill in any way. When you notice that your pet starts to slim down in a rather dramatic way, it’s nothing short of troubling. You may start to worry yourself with all the terrible possibilities here. You should know that there are a great many reasons for cat weight loss — some troublesome and others not so much so. Here’s just a quick and easy rundown of some of the most likely causes for the problem.

1. Cat anxiety or stress

Yes, you might not believe it, but cats can suffer from stress and anxiety just as we can. What’s more, when your pet is suffering with this problem, they are likely to encounter some serious cat weight loss too. Much of the time, this is down to the fact that they stop eating as much as they used to before they were stressed out.

So, what causes this anxiety and how can you fix it? Well, changes in your kitty’s environment are likely to blame. If you’ve moved the place around or introduced a new animal, these could be behind the issue. Keep an eye on the situation and consult your local vet if it happens to continue.

2. The eating area is dirty

Make no mistakes, cats are seriously fussy eaters. Some pet owners are just plain lazy when it comes to cleaning up their cat’s eating area. If the bowls and area in general are unclean, your cat may not like to eat there. It really is that simple. If your cat has suddenly stopped chowing down, this could be the reason.

Check out your pet’s eating station. If it looks something of a mess, you need to take action. It will help to clean the mat beneath the bowls as well as the eating stuff itself. You should realistically do this at least once every couple of weeks to keep your cat healthy and happy.

3. Feline parasites or worms

Here’s a not-so-nice your pet may be experiencing cat weight loss. Felines can often host parasites inside them that feed on their nutrients. What that means is that it doesn’t matter how much they eat, their weight will continue to drop at a rather sharp rate. If your pet still has a seemingly healthy appetite but is slimming down, this is likely the reason.

One of the most common parasites happens to be roundworm. There’s an easy (yet disgusting!) way to check for this problem. Take a look at your cat’s feces. If there are little white worms in them, you will know just what the issue is. A trip to the vets and a course of worming tablets should do the trick!

4. Infections and viruses

If worms aren’t to blame, there may be something else affecting your cat and their weight. Viruses and infections often contribute to and even cause cat weight loss. Again, the signs of this will be that your cat is eating but still losing a whole load of weight on a weekly basis. It can be very troubling for any cat owner once they realize that this is the case.

If you worry that your kitty may be struggling with an infection, you need to get them some medical help as soon as possible. Take them to your vet and explain the situation. They should be able to advise you on what you need to do next.

5. Dental problems

Let’s face it, if your cat’s teeth are causing them pain, it’s only natural that they would lose their appetite. In fact, this is one of the leading reasons that many cats tend to start to lose weight and get thinner and thinner. You need to check your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Some of the major signs of dental issues include discoloration and browning. When you find out that there is an issue, the best thing you can do is consult with your vet.

6. Just old age

Finally, here’s one of the most natural causes for cat weight loss. The truth of the matter is that cats tend to get smaller as they age. This is a normal part of them getting older, and should be of no major concern. If your cat is more than 15 years old, you needn’t worry too much about this problem.

Then again, if you believe that your pet is thinning down at a super fast rate, you may want to get some professional advice. Looking after your cat’s best interests should always be your top priority, and so it’s important that you keep an eye on them even as they age.

If your cat’s a little on the heavy side, you may well worry about their health. Cat obesity is a huge problem! Here’s everything you need to know.

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You may not realize it, but cat obesity has been a growing problem for many years. Back in 2011, the APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) conducted a study in which they found that a whopping 50% of domestic cats were either overweight or obese. The sorry truth of the matter is that many pet owners don’t know whether their cat is at a healthy weight or not. They just assume that their kitty is healthy and don’t bother to investigate any further than that.

In reality, a combination of overfeeding your cat and them failing to exercise as much as they should could mean that they are overweight. This doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual condition that tends to develop over time. That’s why you may not recognize it immediately. Since your cat will become heavier little by little, there won’t be an obvious or even dramatic change.

When is a cat actually ‘obese’?

Many people struggle with cat obesity because they don’t know where the actual line is. Luckily, there’s a Body Condition Score (BCS) that you can use to determine whether your cat is at a healthy weight or not. The table takes into consideration things like whether you can see your cat’s ribs, their muscle tone, and their general weight.

As you may imagine, there are many different things that contribute to your kitty’s general health. It’s worth taking the time to look at the scale and understand it. Of course, if you worry that your cat is obese, it’s probably best to take them to the vets. They will be able to do a full consultation with your pet and let you know what you have to do next.

Health issues related to cat obesity

As you may well imagine, there are a whole load of health concerns related to cat obesity. When your pet is carrying too much weight, they can quickly become ill in all manner of ways. That’s why you absolutely need to make sure that you look after your cat well and take care of their weight too. Here are some of the issues that your cat may suffer from:

Joint pain and stress

Tiredness

Diabetes Mellitus

Low energy

Breathing problems

Of course, all of the above are just the start of your cat’s issues when they have excess weight. The more weight that they gain over time, the more likely they are to be stricken with some type of illness. For that reason, you 100% have to do something about this issue as soon as you notice it!

How to treat the problem

So, if you have identified that your pet is suffering from cat obesity, what on earth should you do? Well, the first step is to take them to the vet and get an expert’s opinion. Your specialist will be able to tell you what you need to do next. In the meantime, there are a few ways that you can pinpoint and help to solve the problem. Here are some of the things you could try for yourself:

Monitor your cat’s food

Of course, the crux of this issue is the fact that your cat is eating more than they need to be. So, what you should do is monitor how much your cat eats on a daily basis. Rather than simply feeding your cat in a haphazard way, check out how much they need. Feeding them small servings at regular intervals is the best way forward.

Avoid treating your cat too much

If your kitty has a penchant for treats, you might find yourself giving them to them more and more. Do you ever think about the health impact that this has? It’s a major cause of cat obesity and it needs to stop. Try to keep treats to a minimum and only give small portions.

Play with your cat!

This one should be obvious and yet so many people overlook it all the time. What your kitty needs the most right now is some exercise. If you have a house cat, be sure to play games with them. Make them chase balls and lasers. That way, they will use some of their energy on a day to day basis.

Opt for quality cat food

Many mainstream cat food brands fill their products with rubbish. That means that your cat could put on weight even if they only eat a little. The best thing you can do is research the various brand before you opt for one.

If you follow the above advice, you should find that the weight starts to drop off your cat in no time at all. Genius! Even so, getting professional advice to boot is sure to help so go ahead and visit the vets too.

When you’re cat’s acting up and lashing out it can be nothing short of a nightmare. If you’re unsure what to do, here’s how to stop your cat growling.

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Most of the time, our kitties are adorable bundles of joy. They cuddle, purr, and play the days are way. Then there are the other times. You know the times that I mean. When they decide that something has annoyed them and they want you to know they are mad AF. The times when they don’t care about anything other than making a loud growl of pure anger. It’s frustrating and you may have wondered how to stop your cat growling before now. Well, here’s what you need to know.

1. Understand why your cat is growling

Of course, the very first thing that you will want to do is figure out why on earth your pet is mad. Growling is, unsurprisingly, a sign that something is not quite right with your animal. That’s a worrying thought, to say the least. You shouldn’t just focus on the symptom here (i.e. the growling itself), but instead the cause (what’s making your kitty growl). It’s not an easy thing to figure out. Cats can’t tell us how they’re feeling, and so we need to do a little detective work along the way.

Consider whether you’ve made any changes to your home or lifestyle. Are you out of the house more than you once were? Have you changed the living room setup? These may seem like small things but they could easily affect your cat’s mood. The truth of the matter is that cats see the home space as their territory. Any changes to that area could easily threaten them and change their natural mood. You should keep that in mind when tackling this issue.

2. Keep note of when your cat growls

If you’re struggling to figure out what your cat growls, you should try this handy tips. Many vets suggest that you keep a diary or journal of your cat’s behavior. When your kitty starts to growl, make a note of what’s happening around them. You may, for example, realize that your cat only makes this noise at dinner time or when a certain person is in the room. That means that you can work on pinpointing the issue so that you can deal with it in the quickest and easiest possible way.

3. Try to comfort them and relax them

Of course, one of the main things you will want to do when your kitty starts to growl is comfort them. This is a natural reaction. When your pet growls, they are letting you (and everyone around them!) know that things are not right. They may feel threatened or anxious. They may need something from you but not be certain of how to express themselves.

Either way, giving them a little extra love, support, and attention is sure to be the best way forward. Make sure that you take things slow and are tentative with your kitty. Show them your hand before you cuddle them so that they know they are safe. That way, you don’t run the risk of them attacking you because they are scared. You may indeed find that this method helps they to chill out. Sometimes, all our pets need is a little support.

4. Separate your cats from one another

If there’s another cat in the room, this is a whole different situation. Much of the time, felines find it hard to socialize with other animals. The reason is simple; they are territorial and want to take charge of the space in which they live. When you have two cats battling it out for the number one spot, they are sure to growl, hiss, and even fight. Yikes! Here are a few things that you may well want to try:

Separate the two cats in two different rooms

Ensure that they have separate eating stations

Show both cats equal amounts of attention

Make sure that they each have their own litter tray

The point is that when you have two cats, you need to treat them as separate beings. When it comes to how to stop your cat growling, the answer should be simple. Kitties don’t like to share, and so you shouldn’t make them.

5. Check out your cat’s body language

If none of the above has worked, you need to check out your cat’s body language. Your kitty is quite clearly stressed out and you need to figure out why sooner rather than later. Look for other signs of aggression (such as an arched back, pinned back ears, and widened eyes!) so you can see how your cat is feeling.

If this behavior continues, you may find that the best thing will be to take your cat to the vet. They will know how to stop your cat growling and will help you every single step of the way. What’s more, they will be able to detect any underlying issue that could be causing discomfort for your pet.

We all love to pet our kitties, but could we be doing more harm than good? Research suggests those little cuddles could cause signs of stress in cats!

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As a pet lover, the very last thing you want to do is see your kitty looking anxious. When we notice any minor signs of stress in cats, we often end up taking them to the vets to be checked over. And we’re right to worry. Emotional distress can be just as harmful to the feline species as it can to us humans. When your pet is stressed out like crazy, it can quickly lead to a whole host of other medical issues. So, what should we do?

The first thing you can do is notice the symptoms of stress. If your cat displays any of the following behaviors, you may well have cause for concern:

Loss of appetite

Vomiting (or persistent hairballs)

Isolated behavior

Mood swings

Hiding away (or, indeed, running away)

Continual meowing or crying

When you notice any of the above, you should take action. One of the best and most effective things we can do as cat owners is try to identify the cause of our kitty’s distress. We already know that cats don’t like changes to their environment or lifestyle, but what if something else is to blame? According to a recent study, there could be a rather unexpected cause for your pet’s mental state.

Here’s the scientific bit:

The research was completed by a team at by University of Lincoln. The original aim was merely to find out something we’ve all wondered from time to time. That is, how felines cope when they have to live with other cats and humans. Along the way, though, the researchers there claim to have found that stroking your cat too much could be the reason they are anxious.

While most of us believe that cats enjoy being stroked, the fact of the matter is that some just ‘tolerate’ this experience. According to Professor Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln, this is the reason they become stressed. In short, tolerating the constant petting process gets tiresome and starts to annoy them!

“We chose stable households to look into this question and were quite surprised by the results. Despite typically living on their own in the wild, we have known for some time that cats come together when resources like food are concentrated in a single area, for example when people feed strays,” explains Professor Mills. “However, it might be that they do this out of need and it is still stressful for them, because they are not a naturally social species.”

So, since cats aren’t ‘social’ when they are out in the wild, the fact that they have to adapt to being so could be enough to make them anxious. The researcher went on to explain that it is not the cats that dislike being petted who become the most stressed. Instead, it is the cats who ‘tolerate’ it.

“Many people keep groups of cats in their home and although they might seem happy together, some people have argued that because this is an unnatural set up, it is not good for their welfare. Our research shows this is not necessarily the case. It seems even if they are not best friends, cats may be able to organise themselves to avoid each other without getting stressed. Also, and I think very intriguingly, our data suggests that cats who tolerate, rather than enjoy or dislike being petted, seem to be the most stressed,” says Professor Mills.

Should you stop stroking your cat?

The short answer is no. After reading this study, you don’t have to immediately stop petting your cat forever. That would be a little extreme. However, as a cat owner, it’s important to be aware of whether your cat wants to be stroked. You should pay close attention to their body language and how they act when you touch them. These things will indicate whether they enjoy the process or not. It’s all about not ‘imposing’ yourself too much on your kitty.

“It seems that those cats on whom the owner imposes him or herself are the ones we need to be most concerned about,” explains Professor Mills. “The results also reinforce the importance of ensuring that you give all individuals control over their environment, so if you have several cats you should give them the choice of sharing or having their own special areas to eat, drink and go to the toilet.”

So, do you pet your cat too much? Are you seeing signs of stress in cats? Or do you think you should stroke them more? Let us know in the comment section! We’d love to hear what you have to say!

Is your kitty crying out for attention all the time? It’s a little… annoying at the best of times, right? Here’s how to stop a cat meowing easily!

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Make no mistakes, all cats meow from time to time. It’s just what they do! Think of meowing as chatting; some kitties just love to do it more than others. Still, if your cat is crying 24/7, you honestly have to do something about it. Not only is this a tad irritating, but it could be a sign of a deeper problem. Here’s how to stop a cat meowing and begging for attention all the darn time.

Why do cats meow all the time?

You should remember that meowing is the only way that cats have to communicate with uss. For that reason, there are actually many different ways in which a cat will meow and different types of call they tend to use. Here are some of the most common reasons that cats tend to meow excessively:

Hunger

Yep, if your kitty needs food, they will find the perfect way to let you know about it. After all, they have to communicate this to you ASAP.

They want to mate

If your cat has yet to be spayed or neutered, they may have an urge to mate. Since there are no eligible animals around, this could make them cry out for some attention.

Illness

Aw! This one is just so very sad. When your cat is feeling sick or ill, they might let you know. If your cat excessively cries out, you may want to take them to the vets to get them checked out. There could be an underlying problem you just don’t know about.

Attention

Cats hate it when you don’t pay them attention. They can’t stand it. If your kitty has gotten used to having your attention at all times, you shouldn’t be surprised if they start to meow more and more when you’re busy.

Of course, one of the easiest ways when it comes to how to stop a cat meowing is to figure out what the cause is. If you can identify why your pet is so wound up, you can help them out. If not, though, you may just have to persevere and try some of the following tricks.

What you must NOT do!

First of all, let’s talk about what you simply must not do. You may have heard that ignoring your cat is the best way forward. After all, you don’t want to reward them when they cry out for no real reason, right? Well, as logical as that may be (oh, and it is!), it’s not always correct. You see, if your cat has a genuine problem, like an illness, ignoring them is a neglectful. You should always try to make sure that your kitty is content and healthy!

Another thing that you want to avoid is punishing your kitty. Don’t hit, shout at, or spray your cat with water. Doing so will make your cat distrust and hate you in the long run. Cats are not as good at learning as we imagine. Sadly, they will not learn to be quiet next time, but will remember that you punished them harshly.

How to stop a cat meowing

So, let’s address the main point; how to stop a cat meowing in a safe and easy way. There are a few little tricks that you may want to try before you do anything else. Here they are:

Give your cat the essentials!

Make sure that your kitty has water, food, and a clean litter box. These are the essentials that your pet needs, and so they should have them at all times. Ensuring that they have all of the above will mean that your cat has no reason to cry. If the crying and meowing persists after you’ve done so, try the next tip.

Work out when your cat cries

Okay, I’m guessing that your kitty does not cry all the time. At least, I’d hope not. (If so, see the next point!) So, that means that there are times when your kitty is quiet and content. Figure out when they are relaxed and when they meow for attention. For example, if your cat only meows when you are busy, you can be pretty sure that the reason is because they want attention. By figuring out what the issue is, you can make sure that you can solve it or train them out of it.

Take your cat to the vet!

Finally, if the meowing goes on and on, there’s only one thing that you should be doing; you need to take your cat to the vets! Crying and meowing may be a symptom of illness or other issues. If you get your vet to check over your cat, you should find that they have the answers. Easy!

We all want to pet and cuddle our cats now and then, but how can we be sure they actually like it? Here’s where to pet your cat to keep them happy.

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When you get home from a long day at work, there’s just one scamp that you look forward to seeing again and again. Having a cat waiting at home for you is one of the best feelings in the world. The very first thing that you’re going to want to do when you walk through the door is go ahead and give them a massive cuddle. After all, they really do deserve it! Still, there are some places that kitties just don’t like to be touched. If you want to make them love you and feel secure, here’s where to pet your cat. You’re welcome.

Under the chin

Around the jawbone area and under your cat’s chin, you will find that there are a whole load of nerves. That means that your cat will really love a cuddle here. You need to make sure that you start off as soft as possible. You don’t know how sensitive your pet is and the very last thing that you want to do is alarm them. Start with one or two fingers and gently rub just beneath the chin area. As you do so, make sure that you watch your cat’s reaction. If they like it, they will likely lift their chin upward so that you can really get in them and give them some love.

Behind their ears

Another place that some cat lovers tend to neglect is just behind the ears. Here, your cat has a whole load of fur which means that they can often get quite itchy from time to time. By stroking this area, you are relieving the itch for your cat and giving them some much needed comfort. Often, you will find that your pet lets you know where they want to be cuddled. They may present a certain area to you or show you where to pet your cat in a way. Be sure to pay close attention to them to see what they do. That way, you can be certain that they will be happy and content with you.

Around the cheek area

You should really be focusing on the head area when it comes to petting your cat. Felines like to know that they are in control and they need to see your hands much of the time. That’s why they feel most comfortable with you scratching around their cheeks and giving them a big old rub there. Again, this area might be quite fluffy, and so you will also help them to relieve any itches that they may have there too. When your pet likes having their cheeks rubbed, they will crane their neck forward to let you know about it. That little sign is one that you want to watch out for when cuddling. It means that you’re doing a seriously great job!

On the forehead

Tracing the line of your cat’s forehead with your fingers is a cute way to show them just a little affection. After that, you might want to move things up a scale and go for the whole hand. Remember, you don’t want to be too rough with your cat. Kitties can be quite precious about the way that you touch them (unlike dogs!), and so the more sensitive you are, the better they will enjoy the attention. When considering where to pet your cat, you should also think about how hard or soft you need to stroke them.

Down their spine

If you want to go in for a big cuddle, this is what you need to do. Cats like a strong hand running down their back or spine. Be sure to be firm but not press down too hard (or you could run the risk of hurting them!). What you really want to do is start from their head and move your hand backward quickly. If your kitty likes this, they will arch their back. Watch out for this telltale sign as it signifies the fact that your cat is enjoying the affection and would like a little more.

Warning! Avoid the tale and tummy

Now that we’ve covered where to pet your cat, there’s one other thing that we need to mention. There are actually a couple of places that your cat will hate you touching. Of course, you need to avoid these areas at all costs, unless you watch to get scratched and hissed at! It’s important that you take note of what your cat likes and dislikes. While all felines are different, you can use these hints as general rules.

You should always avoid the tummy area as this place is often too sensitive to be cuddled at all. Felines tend to want to protect their stomach at all costs and the last thing you want to do is take that away from them. You should also never play with your cat’s tale. As tempting as it may be, this is uncomfortable for your kitty and they will not like it!

If your kitty’s acting strange and distant, they could be seriously stressed out. Don’t panic! We look at how to treat cat anxiety quickly and easily!

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When your kitty suddenly changes their behavior, it should be easy enough to notice. Most cats have a specific set of characteristics. The moment that they start acting ‘odd’, there is likely a genuine reason for that change. Anxiety is extremely common, especially amongst house cats. There are many reasons that your feline friend may feel worried or stressed out. Once you’ve seen the signs, you absolutely have to take action sooner rather than later. Here we take a look at how to treat cat anxiety and what you have to do next.

Give them a high place to sleep

Cats feel safest when they are up high. If you find that your kitty is anxious, the reason is likely because they feel threatened in their home environment. Often, when you have more than one kitty, you may find that social reasons are to blame. If your cat is being bullied by the other cats in your home, that is a major problem. Giving your kitty somewhere high to sleep means that he or she will have some sanctuary away from the rest of the group. When people think about how to treat cat anxiety, this is one of the tips that they always seem to overlook. Most people don’t consider the fact that their cat just needs to feel safe!

Separate their food and toilet from your other pets

Again, if it’s a social issue your cat is dealing with, you should make sure that they have access to all that they need. Separating their food and litter tray from your other pets is the best way forward. This little trick means that your cat can get the food it needs and use the bathroom without being disturbed. When it comes down to it, your kitty just needs to be as relaxed as possible. By helping them have some space from the other cats (or indeed dogs!), you’re doing them a massive favor.

Be loving and kind to your kitty

Above all else, your cat really needs your love and support right now. When we talk about how to treat cat anxiety, this is one of the things that we all too often leave out. You need to be supportive of your cat. Now, that does not mean harassing them every chance you get. Instead, you have to let your cat come to you. You should make sure that you allow your cat the freedom to come sit with you. Make space for them when you’re on the sofa and make it clear that they are welcome. What’s more, you should avoid shouting at them or telling them off. When your kitty is acting sheepish, you need to make sure that you always use a calm, relaxed tone with them. Doing so will help them to unwind and avoid them fearing you among other things!

Try out some natural remedies

You might not realize it but there are actually some natural remedies that can help your cat recover from their anxiety. If you look for how to treat cat anxiety online, you should find that there are some oils you can use that may help you along the way. Pet stores also often stock drops that you can pop into your pet’s food to help with stress and anxiety. If you’ve noticed that your cat has been acting out of character for quite some time now, this may very well be the best option for you. All you need to do is add the solution to your pet’s food each day. Before you know it, your cat should be calmer and, therefore, happier too.

Consult with your vet

Finally, when nothing you do changes your cat’s behavior, you may have to get an expert’s opinion. Your vet has a wealth of experience when it comes to how to treat cat anxiety. Believe it or not, this is a problem they will have dealt with time and time again. Make sure that you note down your cat’s weird behavior on a day to day basis. That way, you will have an accurate log of everything that’s been going on. Your vet will want to assess the situation thoroughly. No matter what, you should follow their advice and listen to what they say. After all, they are experts in this particular field. Trust them and they will help!